I would like to get my stainless steel Howa finished in a matt black o similar.

My first thought was Duracoat, can anybody recommend somebody with the ovens ect to do this properly?

Any other hardwaring alternatives to consider> I'm reading a lot about Salt Bath Nitriding and this is getting very favorable review in the States, but I don't know anybody offering the service here in the UK??

Regards,

Peter

pete,

www.jagersportingarms.co.uk

i believe james here still does it very well, he did a shotgun and rifle for me a year or two back.

i think he does an alternative to duracoat aswell.

Border Barrels painted my stainless barrel when the rebarrelled my .243. The only wear is where the suppressor bush rubbed on the barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:
I would like to get my stainless steel Howa finished in a matt black o similar.
Peter

Just curious Pete, do you think the finish is spooking animals?

Perhaps you want DLC [diamond like coating] ? There are various PVD [vapour deposited] coatings also. I suggest you find someone who does it on firearms.

Most practical I've seen is BBQ paint regularly refreshed.

BBQ paint is a bit redneck, but I'm gonna do it this weekend. I have a .30-06 p17 project that I bought for $100. I just sprayed the stock with truck body liner, so bbq paint won't be out of place on the metal work! I would'nt paint a good gun with it, paint marks too easliy.

quote:

Originally posted by brass thief:
BBQ paint is a bit redneck, but I'm gonna do it this weekend. I have a .30-06 p17 project that I bought for $100. I just sprayed the stock with truck body liner, so bbq paint won't be out of place on the metal work! I would'nt paint a good gun with it, paint marks too easliy.

Sounds interesting, get some pictures up. Guessing it will be your rough weather gun?

quote:

is a bit redneck

Apparently you are adjusting to North America just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Boghossian:

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:
I would like to get my stainless steel Howa finished in a matt black o similar.
Peter

Just curious Pete, do you think the finish is spooking animals?

Sorry for the delay replying, but I've been away awhile..

Spooking game is not my primary consideration, ( I have size 10 feet to do that! ) but rather to increase the rust resistance.

Unlike my SS Ruger, the SS on my Howa seems to rust very easily so any additional protective finish would be welcome.

Brass thief,

I would be interested in seeing how your P17 turned out if you have any pictures..

Regards,

Peter

http://www.owatrol.com/products/OwatrolOil2_pi.pdf

Take a look at this stuff Pete.

It is applied like an oil, bonds well to steel and stabalised any oxides already on there to prevent spread of rust.

I used to use it on exposed steelwork on an Norton Commando for where paint wouldn't be right.

I have heard quite a few complaints about rusting on stainless howas. Hope you sort it out once and for all, nothing worse than a fair weather gun.

quote:

Originally posted by Ghubert:
http://www.owatrol.com/products/OwatrolOil2_pi.pdf

Take a look at this stuff Pete.

It is applied like an oil, bonds well to steel and stabalised any oxides already on there to prevent spread of rust.

I used to use it on exposed steelwork on an Norton Commando for where paint wouldn't be right.

Ghubert,

Thanks for that; it looks like it might be a big help.

Boghossian,

The same problem affects alot of so called SS rifles these days. The type of stainless steel used is obviously one factor, but so is the actual surface finish with a brushed finish being more prone to rust than a highly polished one.

I have since found out that the SS Weatherby Vanguard (which is the same Howa action) is more rust resistant as Howa used a different type of SS for the Weatherby's..

Still, I am still very please with the Howa, and I had always intended getting it coated/painted if only for cosmetic reasons.

Regards,

Peter